Christopher Fowler's Blog, page 435

Knowledge Is God

A lovely reminder in the Guardian of some of the stupidest quiz show contestants of all time, and their answers…

Q: Where is Cambridge University?
A. Leicester

Q. Which Duke resides at Woburn Abbey?
A. Hazzard.

Q. There are three states of matter: solid, liquid and . . .
A. Jelly.

Q. What is the name of the insect which makes honey?
A. [...]

Dumb Show

A lovely reminder in the Guardian of some of the stupidest quiz show contestants of all time, and their answers…

Q: Where is Cambridge University?
A. Leicester

Q. Which Duke resides at Woburn Abbey?
A. Hazzard.

Q. There are three states of matter: solid, liquid and . . .
A. Jelly.

Q. What is the name of the insect which makes honey?
A. [...]

One Rule For The Rich

It didn't take long for the UK's balloon-faced premier, formerly centre-right David Cameron to reveal his darker colours. This one requires a back-flip mindset; under new government proposals, universities in England will be permitted to make extra places available for rich British students. So if you've got enough wonga, you can grab a place after [...]

Re:View – 'The Door'

No-one does looking knackered quite like Mads Mikkelsen. He always looks beaten, battered and miserable. Sometimes he has an eye missing. But for once Mads starts out with all his bits and bobs in this excellent time travel tale. Playing out like a bigger, better 'Timecrimes' (with which it would make a good double bill) [...]

It's Gonna Be Murder!

National Crime Writing Week runs from June 13th to June 19th, 2011. It represents the best in crime fiction and non-fiction. During the week, members of the Crime Writers' Association will be taking part in readings, discussions, readers' group events and workshops in bookshops, libraries, arts centres and other venues all over the country.

On the [...]

When Hidden London Is No Longer Hidden

I was in Columbia Road Flower Market yesterday. I have mates who live in the road itself, and wanted to pick up a bit of greenery and have a beer with them.

Columbia Road began as a pathway along which sheep were driven to the slaughter- houses at Smithfield. It had several names over the centuries, [...]

Why I Love The New York Times

Who else would bother to do this? I mean, really? (Click to enlarge) Via Geekosystem.

The Answer To Writer's Block

I believe there doesn't have to be any such thing as writer's block. It's all in our heads, but we're sensitive folk and a depressed attitude is enough to stop the writing process. There are days when creativity is simply at a low ebb. The best thing to do then is start 'sponging', This is [...]

Yet More London Books

Three more excellent London books have come to my attention. 'Quiet London' may be old wine in new bottles but is still a very attractive idea in a city where the background hum of traffic starts (rather late) at around seven every morning.

'Hidden City' is a surprisingly thorough look at the alleyways and courtyards that [...]

Human Ingenuity

If you get fed up about the lack of creativity in modern life, watch this. Of course, it would have been even more wonderful if it hadn't turned out to be an advert, but even so. Recommended by my pal Michele.